The Jayson Werth signing was completed 10 days ago, but at long last this afternoon, we’ll finally get to see the Nationals’ new $126 million right fielder in a curly W cap and jersey.

Werth will formally be introduced during a 1 p.m. press conference at Nationals Park. If you’re near a television, you can watch the proceedings live on Comcast SportsNet. If you’re stuck at work, never fear: CSNwashington.com will be streaming the event live online.

If you didn’t know already, Werth will be wearing the same uniform No. 28 he wore in Philadelphia. The man who used to wear that number, Michael Morse, is switching to No. 38.

Also, if you didn’t know, Werth’s trademark beard is no more. He was spotted at the Wizards/Lakers game last night with a clean-shaven face, aside from a small soul patch. Clearly, this guy isn’t happy about this unfortunate development.

I’ll be at today’s press conference, of course, and will provide details (and hopefully photos) later, so please check back for that.

Anonymous said…When is the Matt Stairs Press Conference?Whenever he arrives in Viera and four beat writers approach him at his locker.Probably won't be live coverage of that one on multiple TV networks.

"The man who used to wear that number, Michael Morse, is switching to No. 19."NatsTownNews tweeted yesterday that Morse will wear 38, not 19. A wise move, since 19 still has the Scott Olsen stink on it.

@ Stranded and Doc, so glad to hear your comments – our son went through a WWE phase about 10 years ago )but my husband and I always thought it was amazing that Edge is also a talented baseball player.

It was appropriate that Jayson Werth attends a Wizards game as he settles down in Washington. The Wizards are chronic losers, a permanent doormat in the NBA Southeast Division. The Nats are chronic losers, permanent doormats in the National League East.

Hey Hey Hey — make sure someone asks him if he misses Philly already. Must be pissed about playing for loser franchise like the Nats. Too bad he can't face the Nats lowly pitching anymore, and has to face all 4 aces on the Phils!You tell him I'm glad he left so we could get Cliff back.

Hey Bobo. At least we didn't make a Booboo and pay over a hundred million for a pitcher that wins only, what, 13 games a year when he's going good!!! In the next 10 years the Nats will win more championships than the Phils. Yeah Bobo, the Phils made a Booboo. Get the wheelchairs ready. HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Matt Stairs press conference should be held in a D.C. pub, with an open bar, featuring Labatt's 50 for all attendees. Part of the festivities should include a game of darts, with pictures of Phillies' pitchers on the dart board!

I can think of 126 million reasons why Jason Werth is tickled to play for the Nats. He was never going to get that money in the city where he formerly played, a place whose name must not be spoken. It's funny how the meaning of the city's name doesn't match reality.fpcsteve

I want to throw in the suggestion box for Mark Z. to do what Stan Kasten didn't do—-block all Phillie fans. Please block his IP address so we don't have to read his garbage. I come here to be immersed in the fun and banter with other Nats fans.

Werth has his ring and now he has signed for that last big contract. If the Phils win it next Fall, Oswalt might stay, but don't be surprised if he goes elsewhere for a big contract – a contract Philly probably won't be able to match.

Now if we can sign Adam LaRoche, I'll be happy. As for the starter that we need, I'm willing to pass on trading prospects and live with whatever we can scab together out of what we already have.It seems to me that seeing some of this talent develope is more important than bringing in a Garza or Greineke at this stage. July trading deadline and next off season should provide a helluva lot more opportunity for us than anything available now.

I think that was my favorite part of the presser. :-)—Steve M. said… Way to go Jayson on that Cliff Lee question from the Philly CSN press guy. I like him even more after that! He really set the divide there. December 15, 2010 1:17 PM

Jason Werth is a serious upgrade from Adam Dunn. Yes Dunn will be missed but Werth knows how to win and winning is a top goal for Werth. Dunn just wants to have a good old time, get along with his teammates and have some good time. Dunn is a good old boy that wants very little media and fan scrutiny. I will bet that Dunn will have a great year for the White Sox in 2011, but it will not be as good as 2010. Ever year Dunn is degrading.The point is that isn't the case with Werth, who is getting better and will have a great year for the Nats. If we can get a good pitcher, with Morse moving to first we could finally get over the 500 mark in 2011 and cause some damage to other teams in the pennant race

Yes, let's get Laroche signed and improve the bench. A starting rotation of Livan, Marquis (end of 2010 season version), Lannan (last half of 2010 season version), Zimmermann and Maya I can actually live with for a year rather than trading the farm for Greinke or Garza. Has anyone noticed what Maya is doing in winter ball? 4-1 record in 6 starts, 0.56 ERA, 33Ks and only 7 walks.

The Philly CSN guy tried to frame his question to Werth by saying something like "In light of what has gone on in Philadelphia since you left" and Werth pretty much shot him down by saying "I must have missed it – did something happen in Philly?". Plus one for Werth.Possible minus one for him though for having to look around the room and be told "I'm over here" when asked a question by Lindsay Czarniak. Could he perhaps be gay? (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

He basically said he was happy for him (Lee) and in order to be the best, you have to be the beat the best. He said he looked forward to the competition and that Nats aren't as far behind everyone as one would think.You can't get online for csnwashington.com? They have it available.

Anon @ 2:13. Cut him some slack on the Lindsay Czarniak thing when he looked around the room to find where the voice was coming from. He has been here 2 days now and really, who gives a "F" on Lindsay Czarniak. She only knows how to kiss tail in the Redskins locker room.I am way over her plus I was a Sara Walsh Channel 9 fan 😉 as she really was a talent. Now she is property of ESPN….

How did you like Werth's facial expression when some blogger called him a late bloomer?I liked his composure when he answered back that it was a function of getting in and getting playing time.That's kind of how I feel about Michael Morse (#38?) as I think with the opportunity he could be that same type of guy that shines with increased playing time.Who asked the question about his age playing into his 40's? Unless someone thinks it is an 8 year + deal, how does that math work?

Building on slopitchtom's insights, I don't think signing Pavano is the correct thing to do. The Nats are not playoff bound next season. They need to find out what Lannan, Marquis, Zimmerman and Maya can do for a full season. If Hernandez pitches well enough, trade him for a prospect at the trading deadline. For that matter, there is Martis, Chico, Martin, Kown, Stammen and Chico in Syracuse.

DFL, I think you sign Pavano for 2 years for the purpose of trading Lannan, Detwiler, Maya now to get prospects if you can and of course any of the names you mentioned.Its just time in my opinion to start cutting bait with any of these guys that can't move to the top of the rotation. The Lannan thing will never be more than what it is. If you hang on to Detwiler, move him into the Bullpen. Haven't seen enough of Maya.This team lacks the Farm System depth in AA and AAA other than the obvious Bryce Harper slated to be in A. There is nobody you can point to to say that kid is a future star except Harper and just hope that AJ Cole, Solis, Ray turn into Aces. Norris, Marrero, and all the others mentioned are still developing.There is still some promise down on the farm but free up a back of the rotation guy if you can get a AA or AAA future star.